Give the Gift of a Life-Time

Give the Gift of a Life-Time

'Tis the season to be jolly, but it's also the time to be jolly careful when thinking about giving of pets this Christmas or becoming a pet owner yourself.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) is asking New Zealanders who are thinking of giving a pet this Christmas to ask themselves one question before acting: “Will this be the gift of a life-time, or could the commitment of pet ownership make it a short and potentially unhappy experience for the pet?”

"Taking on a pet needs to be carefully considered, and the decision not made in haste, to ensure it is well looked after and that the pet owner makes a fully informed decision," says Dr Catherine Watson, President of the NZVA Companion Animal Society branch.

“Speaking with a veterinarian prior to choosing a pet is helpful to better understand your obligations as an owner and the suitability of a pet for your circumstances.”

"To help encourage people to think carefully about the implications of a pet gift or becoming a pet owner themselves, the NZVA has prepared the following guidelines to help recognise if it's the right thing, for the right person, at the right time."

NZVA Pet Buyer’s Checklist:

• Time – animals need company, exercise/playtime, socialisation and training, so ask yourself whether you have the time and patience for your pet. How much time can you invest in meeting their needs?

• Care – There will be food, training, medicines and veterinarian fees to pay. As pets age their health needs are also likely to increase so it’s recommended that you budget for their care taking a lifelong approach (the average age most pets live is about 12 years, but can be longer). Consider pet insurance – there are a number of providers to consider and various payment and coverage options.

• Space – where is your pet going to live and do you have enough space? If you don’t have much room you might be better off purchasing a smaller dog rather than the big one you had in mind. Is their a park nearby or other suitable walking areas to take your dog for their daily exercise?

• Allergies – check that no-one in your family is going to be allergic to your pet.

• Expectations – think about what you want from your pet. Do you want an animal that will curl up on your lap quietly or one that you can take for big walks and expel some energy with? What experiences has the animal had to date in terms of its living situation? Does the environment it’s been in, for example noisy and busy, match your home environment? Has the animal been socialised, been around other people and animals? If the animal has lived a very quiet home life you need to carefully introduce it to new experiences so that it isn’t afraid.

• Breed – how puppies and kittens are bred and raised has lifelong effects. Good breeding helps to ensure they have happy and healthy lives. Sub-standard breeding can cause serious health and behavioural problems. This will cause stress to both the pet and the owner. Different breeds have different characteristics and may have certain inherited disorders associated with that breed, so do some research before you decide. Speak to your veterinarian. Your number one priority should be to have a healthy puppy or kitten.

• Temperament – a happy, interactive animal will adapt more readily to being a pet while a shy, quiet one may need more training and socialisation (therefore more of your time).

• Age and sex - do you want a young animal that will need training or a more mature animal? The sex of the animal will affect how it relates to other pets you may have, and have reproduction implications.

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